In-depth investigations of focused topics in music history (encompassing art, popular, and folk musics), approached through musicological and interdisciplinary lenses. The topic may address a specific composer, group, movement, era, or genre, or a particular theme or issue in the discourse. Promotes skills in historical thinking, interpretation and analysis, research, scholarly reading, writing and/or speaking, and critical thinking. This course is primarily for music majors who have completed MUS 140 and 141, but others with a background in music may be eligible with consent of the instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS 265 and MUS 266 or consent of instructor | 1 course |
Fall Semester information
390B: Advanced Musicology Topics:America's Maestro: Leonard Bernstein's 20th Century
This course explores the crossroads of music, politics, and culture through the fascinating life of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). Known worldwide as an iconic composer, conductor, and public intellectual, Bernstein's work and activism put him at the heart of major artistic movements and social debates across the mid-20th century. In this course, we'll explore Bernstein's compositions and writings, grappling with him as both a brilliant artist and a flawed human being. We'll meet his wide circle of friends (and some enemies), which included many influential creative and political figures of the era. We will investigate the endemic inequalities of the music world concerning race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. You will gain a sharper perspective of artists¿ power to reflect and shape society and a deeper understanding of the era's cultural and political landscape. As an S course, assignments will emphasize formal and informal presentations and discussion.